Work From Home – Real or Scam?

Many people today are attracted to this lucrative idea of working from home. It sounds like a great concept, in theory, but finding a legitimate work from home job is less than easy. Work from home is not an entirely new concept. Although the age of computers and internet has spawned a larger number of legitimate companies that offer this type of employment, many offers are still scams. It is tedious work to find a legitimate work from home job and even if you do find one, it may not be what you expect.

“Although the age of computers and internet has spawned a larger number of legitimate companies that offer this type of employment, many offers are still scams.”

Finding a Legitimate Work from Home Opportunity
More often than not, ads you see online and in the newspaper are scams. If you choose to research any of these offers, here are some tips on how you can tell the difference between a legitimate offer and a scam:

1. Do they require you to purchase a package? If a work from home opportunity requires you to purchase a package, it may be legitimate, but basically, they are just selling you the package and possibly a hosting service. The package is usually an assortment of training materials and information that tells you how to start and run an online business. These packages are usually incomplete and only contains information you could find yourself in a good online entrepreneur or marketing book you could pick up from your favorite book store.

2. Do they have valid contact information? If you can find contact information or a website, use it to look them up on the BBB’s website. Take a look at their rating and their description to see if they are a legitimate business. If you cannot find them using their public contact information, then it is most likely a scam and you can stop there.

3. Do they interview applicants? Most legitimate work from home opportunities follow the same protocols as any other employment. You will most likely have an interview and some kind of formal training if you pass the interview. If they are asking you for money for the training, it is probably a scam.

4. Ask Questions! The more you know about the company, the safer you will be. Ask as many questions about the company, their business practices, and whatever else you can think of. A legitimate company will welcome these questions and will understand your need to verify they are not a scam. Scammers will most likely hang up on you.

Many time, your local employment agencies will have clients who offer work from home opportunities. This is one of your best bets. Contact your local employment agencies and ask them if they have any work from home opportunities available. If they have clients offering this type of employment, going through the employment agency will save you time and money. Just make sure that you agree with the employment agencies practices. Most of them will charge the employer for your employment and not you, but there are some that will take a cut of your pay. Make sure you’re getting a deal you want.

“If you can find contact information or a website, use it to look them up on the BBB’s website.”

Have the Right Setup
Most legitimate work from home opportunities will want you to be distraction free, even if you are working from home. If you have an office or a room you can stay in for 8 hours each day without household distractions, you will be a better candidate for a work from home opportunity. Employers who offer work from home opportunities are usually very cautious about it or have software to track your progress. Either way, you will put their mind at ease if you can let them know that you won’t be distracted.

If you are able to find a legitimate work from home opportunity that worked out for you, please post it on here and write a short review about it.